In conjunction with a groundbreaking report on laneway suites by Lanescape and Evergreen, City Councillors Ana Bailão (Ward 18, Davenport) and Mary-Margaret McMahon (Ward 32, Beaches-East York) have submitted a motion to the June 13, 2017 Toronto and East York Community Council meeting to implement a laneway suite initiative in the Toronto and East York District.

The motion seeks the support of City Councillors to request Chief Planner Jennifer Keesmaat to review the Laneway Suites Report, consult with appropriate City staff, undertake further community consultation and report back in the first quarter of 2018 with respect to any recommended changes required to implement a laneway suites initiative in the Toronto and East York District.

The newly released report recommends actions including the establishment of an as-of-right planning framework for laneway suites alongside a set of recommended performance standards that will provide a strong foundation for the future of laneway suites in Toronto.

The report was based on an extensive consultation process that engaged with over 3,000 Torontonians through an online survey, written feedback, and in-person consultations in Wards 18, 32 and at the Evergreen Brick Works. The laneway suites team also met with relevant City Divisions to seek feedback on addressing various technical requirements and with City Councillors in the Toronto and East York District.

The motion also requests the Chief Planner to provide an implementation strategy for laneway suites in the Toronto and East York District which may include, but is not limited to, cost, incentives, application review processes and timelines, and comparable actions from other municipalities that have implemented laneway suites.

Members of the public in the Toronto and East York District are encouraged to let their City Councillor know that they support the motion submitted by Councillors Bailão and McMahon and that the time has come to implement a laneway suites initiative in the Toronto and East York District.

"Laneway suites can help address the need for more "missing middle" housing by adding gentle density to our neighbourhoods, in addition to establishing more rental stock and creating multi-generational living opportunities for families."

"Laneway suites will strengthen our neighbourhoods in the Toronto and East York District by transforming underutilized spaces into more active, safe and welcoming places for Torontonians."

– Mary-Margaret McMahon, City Councillor, Ward 32 Beaches-East York

"The responsible performance standards proposed in the report alongside a streamlined, straightforward and affordable as-of-right planning approvals process have the potential to be a game changer in bringing laneway suites to Toronto for once and for all."

– Craig Race, Lanescape

“The recommended actions and performance standards outlined in this report are the result of countless hours of feedback from residents, City staff, Councillors and experts, providing a way forward to establish laneway suites in Toronto."